ISWTDB Ch21

Chapter 21: The Disfigured and Blind Sect Leader (21)

Ying Zhao saw the concern on Wen Renming’s face and gave a smile, but shook his head and said to him:

“Wen Renming, thank you! But this is my own revenge, and I still want to take it myself. Moreover, Piaomiao Pavilion is essentially a scourge, most of the valuable manuals and techniques they have were stolen from others. Although Nan Zheng has been wary of me over the years, I have also gathered some evidence against him. Death is too easy. Nan Zheng is a true hypocrite; what he cares about most is his reputation. I must ruin him, make him face the disgrace he deserves!”

Wen Renming nodded upon hearing this. As long as it was Ying Zhao’s wish, he was naturally happy to comply. After all, in this world, the only person he cared about was Ying Zhao.

The things Ying Zhao mentioned were indeed true. Piaomiao Pavilion had done many bad things in secret, which the original owner had also somewhat perceived but had been unwilling to believe.

As for the fact that the original owner’s parents were killed by Nan Zheng, Ying Zhao had learned this through the god-like perspective provided by the system, which revealed such hidden plots.

Since Xiao Lie was already dead, now was the time to deal with Nan Zheng. After leaving the cave, they soon encountered disciples of Piaomiao Pavilion.

Those people had likely woken up two or three days after being attacked by the water beast’s sound waves. Upon waking, someone quickly discovered Xiao Lie’s body.

The crowd was terrified internally. Seeing the ground littered with pieces of the water beast and not finding Wen Renming and Ying Zhao, they all thought that the two had perished along with the beast.

However, remembering Pavilion Master Nan Zheng’s instructions before they set out, they did not leave the secret realm but took turns diving into the lake to find the “Qingyuan Jue.”

Ying Zhao raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that these Piaomiao Pavilion disciples were quite disciplined towards their own people, as they hadn’t examined Xiao Lie’s body closely. Otherwise, they would have discovered the black jade slip Xiao Lie was carrying. But then again, these people had never seen what the “Qingyuan Jue” looked like, so it was also likely they didn’t recognize it.

Moreover, the true content of the “Qingyuan Jue” had long been absorbed by Wen Renming, leaving only an empty shell, which naturally wouldn’t produce much spiritual power.

Ying Zhao explained to the Piaomiao Pavilion people that he and Wen Renming were injured and separated while fighting the water beast. After luckily killing the beast, he found Wen Renming while injured and rested for a few days, which is why they had just returned.

As for Xiao Lie, Ying Zhao claimed he was killed by the water beast and displayed a look of deep sorrow.

In the impression of the Piaomiao Pavilion disciples, Ying Yunping had always admired Xiao Lie, so Ying Zhao’s show of grief prevented them from asking more questions.

Then, Ying Zhao pretended to investigate Xiao Lie’s body. Feigning unintentionality, he picked up the black jade slip at Xiao Lie’s waist and said in confusion:

“This jade slip is something I’ve never seen before, nor have I heard of such an item in Piaomiao Pavilion.”

Upon hearing this, Wen Renming immediately cooperated, saying:

“Yunping, this is the ‘Qingyuan Jue’! I had always felt the manual was nearby, but didn’t expect Xiao Lie had already obtained it. No wonder the water beast kept chasing him!”

The Piaomiao Pavilion disciples recalled the strange attack by the water beast that day and realized it was indeed caused by Xiao Lie.

As for why Xiao Lie secretly took the “Qingyuan Jue” alone, the reason was obvious. But Xiao Lie had completely disregarded the safety of the others, causing them to fight the water beast unprepared, resulting in many more companions’ deaths.

Thinking of this, the disciples’ gazes towards Xiao Lie’s body turned much colder. But since they now had the “Qingyuan Jue,” no one cared about other matters.

The disciples quickly packed up and, along with Ying Zhao and Wen Renming, flew towards the secret realm’s exit.

When they entered the secret realm, Xiao Lie and Ying Zhao led nearly twenty Piaomiao Pavilion disciples. However, upon leaving, Xiao Lie was dead, and only five or six disciples remained.

Moreover, these five or six people had been seeded with heart demons in the cave. It wouldn’t be long before they lost their sanity and went mad.

Over the years, under Nan Zheng’s leadership, Piaomiao Pavilion had committed countless dirty deeds. Except for Ying Yunping, who was treated as an outsider, there was not a single clean person among them. So, their fate was deserved retribution.

When Ying Zhao and Wen Renming returned to the secret realm’s entrance with the remaining Piaomiao Pavilion disciples, they found Nan Zheng already waiting there.

The disciples had already informed Nan Zheng of obtaining the “Qingyuan Jue” through a communication talisman. Although unaware of the exact events in the secret realm, Nan Zheng was thrilled to have the manual.

Standing at the entrance, Nan Zheng eagerly watched the returning group, barely able to contain his excitement.

Ying Zhao raised an eyebrow, watching Nan Zheng’s expression, and calmly led Wen Renming to his side. He nodded to Nan Zheng and called:

“Master.”

Wen Renming turned to Nan Zheng with a slight smile and clasped his hands in salute:

“Thanks to the Pavilion Master’s generous assistance, I could hardly have found the ‘Qingyuan Jue’ alone in the secret realm.”

Nan Zheng was momentarily stunned upon seeing Wen Renming, then turned to Ying Zhao with a frown. Ying Zhao suddenly put on a sorrowful expression and said to Nan Zheng:

“Master, the secret realm was fraught with danger, and many Piaomiao Pavilion disciples were lost. Even Senior Brother…”

At this, Ying Zhao lowered his head, seemingly unable to hold back tears. In reality, he was hiding a smile.

At this moment, there were many disciples of Piaomiao Pavilion around. Although Nan Zheng’s attention was on the “Qingyuan Jue,” he had to show concern for the deceased disciples of the pavilion.

Feigning a sigh, he said sorrowfully:

“I already learned a bit about this from the messages sent back by the communication talisman. I didn’t expect this secret realm to be so dangerous! Even Lie’er… Alas! I have raised you two since you were young. To me, you and Lie’er are like my own children. I am truly heartbroken!”

Hearing Nan Zheng’s words, a flash of sarcasm passed through Ying Zhao’s eyes. He thought that if Nan Zheng truly regarded them as his own children, why would he have made Xiao Lie take that drug which depleted his spirit and life?

Nan Zheng must have already been prepared to monopolize the “Qingyuan Jue” once Xiao Lie brought it back. Even if Xiao Lie had any thoughts of rebellion, he wouldn’t have lived long due to the drug he consumed.

Xiao Lie, although always selfish and cold, had never suspected Nan Zheng. In the secret realm, he had even mentioned to the disciples of Piaomiao Pavilion that Nan Zheng had specially found an elixir to heal him, allowing him to wake up so quickly and even see his cultivation level skyrocket. Unfortunately, until his death, Xiao Lie never knew that what he had taken was not a spiritual medicine, but a poison.

Thinking of this, Ying Zhao suddenly curled his lips, took out the black jade slip from his bosom, and waved it at Nan Zheng, saying:

“Master, this is the ‘Qingyuan Jue’ we found in the secret realm.”

Nan Zheng’s eyes lit up upon seeing the jade slip, and he instinctively reached out to take it. But Ying Zhao twisted his wrist and handed the jade slip to Wen Renming instead, smiling as he said:

“You’d better not always leave your family’s treasure with me. Keep it yourself.”

Hearing Ying Zhao’s words, Wen Renming lowered his eyes slightly. His spiritual sense was always attuned to Ying Zhao, so he naturally noticed his lover’s actions. He silently said to himself, ‘Naughty,’ but still cooperated naturally, saying:

“Yunping, we are already engaged. After our marriage, you will be a member of Qingliu Sect, so there’s no need to be so clear-cut.”

He then placed the jade slip into his Qiankun bag in front of Nan Zheng and held Ying Zhao’s hand, intertwining their fingers. Smiling at Nan Zheng, he said:

“Pavilion Master, I want to hold the Daoist couple ceremony with Yunping as soon as possible. After obtaining the ‘Qingyuan Jue,’ I have already sent messages to the major sects, inviting them to come to Piaomiao Pavilion in five days. Although this matter was handled somewhat abruptly by me, given that you have always treated Yunping as your own, I believe you wouldn’t mind. After the ceremony, I am willing to share the techniques from the ‘Qingyuan Jue’ with your pavilion as a token of gratitude for Piaomiao Pavilion’s assistance to Qingliu Sect!”

Nan Zheng, who was initially furious at Ying Zhao’s small maneuver, almost losing his gentlemanly facade and wanting to snatch the “Qingyuan Jue,” was taken aback when Wen Renming suddenly mentioned that he had informed the major sects to come to Piaomiao Pavilion in five days. Wen Renming might have even hinted about the “Qingyuan Jue” to other sects. If anything happened to Wen Renming now, Nan Zheng would certainly be suspected, putting his good reputation at risk. Thus, Nan Zheng had to suppress his anger and hide his true intentions.

But who would have thought that the situation would take such a turn, with Wen Renming proactively offering to share the “Qingyuan Jue” techniques after the Daoist couple ceremony. This made Nan Zheng overjoyed. Although he wished to obtain the “Qingyuan Jue” immediately, he had to maintain the facade of a disinterested elder. He said to Wen Renming:

“Nephew, you are too courteous. Holding your Daoist couple ceremony was already in my plans. I didn’t expect you to notify the major sects in advance, saving me a lot of trouble. The ‘Qingyuan Jue’ is secondary; what matters is seeing you young ones fulfilled, which satisfies me!”

As he spoke, Nan Zheng’s face showed a gratified expression, practically radiating with the glow of a benevolent elder.